Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominque Watkins.
Hi Dominque, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Memphis native and a graduate of Christian Brothers University, where I earned my degree in business management. After college, my journey led me into education. I dedicated myself to my work as an educator because I have always been passionate about pouring into students, building community, and helping shape the next generation. Education gave me the opportunity to make a difference beyond the classroom and become part of the village that young people need.
Over time, I realized that I wanted to make a greater impact on young people and that being in one classroom limited how many of them I could reach. Content creation gave me a way to expand my reach while also reconnecting with my love for natural hair, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. I began sharing honest product recommendations and relatable experiences that everyday women could see themselves in. What began as a creative outlet grew into a trusted community and eventually became a business.
Today, I’m a full time content creator and doctoral student pursuing a degree in organizational leadership. I use my background in business and education to create content that is informative, relatable, and rooted in service. I’m also committed to highlighting talented young beauty professionals throughout Memphis.
My long term vision is to create an after school program that introduces young people to film, music, fashion, beauty, production, art, business, and entrepreneurship while helping them develop confidence, character, and leadership skills. My ultimate goal is to become a philanthropist, create opportunities for young people, and use everything I am building to continue pouring back into Memphis and the next generation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. This journey has taken me into spaces I have never been in before, and there is still so much I have to learn. One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to turn my vision for an after school program into something that will truly serve young people and create a lasting impact. I am projected to graduate with my doctoral degree in July 2027, and I do not plan to move forward with the program until my research is complete. I want to step into it with as much knowledge, preparation, and understanding as possible because the youth deserve more than a good idea. They deserve a program that is intentional, effective, and built to last.
Content creation has also come with its own challenges. As a Christian content creator, I am learning how to grow my platform while blending my faith with beauty, fashion, hair, lifestyle, and inspiration. I want my content to reflect who I am fully without losing my voice, compromising my values, or confusing my audience. I have also had to learn how to navigate constantly changing platforms, build a consistent brand, and turn my creativity into a sustainable business.
This has not been a smooth or predictable road, but every challenge has pushed me to become more intentional. I may not have everything figured out yet, but I am committed to learning, completing the research, and building each part of my vision the right way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Christian content creator who specializes in beauty, fashion, natural hair, lifestyle, and inspirational content. I am known for being honest, relatable, and showing up as my full self. Whether I am reviewing a product, sharing my natural hair journey, putting together an outfit, or speaking about faith and life, I want the women watching me to feel seen, encouraged, and confident.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with education. My background as an educator influences how I create content because I do more than show a product. I explain how it works, demonstrate how to use it, and help my audience decide whether it is right for them. I also understand that I do not have to separate my faith from my creativity. My values are present in how I communicate, the brands I choose to work with, and the type of community I am building.
I am most proud of creating a trusted space for women, particularly Black women, while remaining true to myself. I am also proud of using my platform to highlight talented young beauty professionals throughout Memphis. My work is still growing, but I am intentionally building something that connects beauty, creativity, faith, education, and purpose.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I took one of the biggest risks of my life when I walked away from my teaching career after seven years. Teaching provided stability, a consistent income, and a career path I already understood. Leaving meant stepping away from what was familiar to pour everything I had into my doctoral program, content creation, and building my own brand and business.
I do consider myself a risk taker, but I do not believe in taking risks without purpose. I pray, reflect, and make sure my decisions align with the direction I believe God is leading me. Leaving education was not an easy or impulsive decision. I knew remaining in the classroom would limit the time and energy I could dedicate to completing my degree and building a vision that could eventually reach more young people.
The transition has challenged me financially, creatively, and personally. There are no guarantees with content creation, and building a business requires consistency even when the results are unpredictable. However, this risk has taught me to trust God, believe in my abilities, and keep moving forward even when I cannot see the full picture yet.
To me, risk is sometimes necessary when the life you are called to build requires you to release the safety of the life you already know.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoprettynique?igsi=MWZtcDhuc2FwdWdvaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064758363771
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominque-watkins-polk-15bb45114
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/@XoPrettyNique?sub_confirmation=1
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@xoprettynique_?_r=1&_t=ZP-99IFOvhIgf9
